On the ballot Nov 3, 2026: Amendment 3
- Would raise the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. School taxes still apply.
- Would lower the annual assessment cap on non-homestead property (second homes, rentals) from 10% to 5%.
- Needs 60% voter approval. If it passes, it takes effect Jan 1, 2027.
- Timing matters: people who establish Florida residency by Dec 31, 2026 qualify for the higher exemption; later arrivals get it starting in their fifth year.
- Nothing changes unless voters approve it.
Sources · checked Sept 28, 2026
Things to verify
- UEP (utility extension) assessment — paid off or still on the tax bill?
- Boat route: bridges, canal mouth depth at low tide, time to open water (see Canals).
- Saltwater or freshwater canal?
See what's for sale near you
What homes are worth
As of August 2026 (updated monthly by hand). Redfin: median sale price $379,749 (up 5.8% year over year), $219 per sq ft, 66 median days on market, 1,725 homes sold in August. Zillow: typical home value $335,825 (down 3.9%), about 55 days to pending.
Tell me more
- Redfin measures actual sale prices; Zillow's index estimates the value of all homes — that's why the two differ.
- Redfin reports homes typically sell about 3% below list price.
- For your own home's value, pull recent sold comparables or get an appraisal — a citywide median can mislead for waterfront or gulf-access homes.
Steps to sell
The usual path from deciding to sell to closing.
Tell me more
- 1. Look up your property record, open permits and any UEP assessment — buyers' title searches will find them.
- 2. Price it from recent sold comparables; choose an agent or sell by owner.
- 3. Complete Florida seller disclosures, including known defects and flood history.
- 4. Get pre-listing inspections if you want fewer surprises (roof, wind mitigation, 4-point).
- 5. List, show and negotiate; most Florida sales use the FR/BAR contract.
- 6. Buyer's inspection period, appraisal and financing.
- 7. Close through a title company or attorney; documentary stamp tax on the deed is paid at closing.
- 8. Your homestead exemption ends when you sell — apply again at your next Florida home by March 1.
Plain-language summary, not legal advice. Fees, dates and rules change — confirm with the official source before you act.